Hi I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I earned my Master's degree from CSU, Fresno and I specialize in supporting women navigating unhealthy attachment styles, relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety, as well as helping couples improve communication and individuals process trauma. My goal is to empower you to heal, grow, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, my goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. We’ll start by reviewing important information, including confidentiality and policies, to ensure you understand your rights and the structure of therapy. I will also begin the intake process to get a better understanding of your background, what’s bringing you into therapy, and any specific concerns or goals you’d like to address. Together, we’ll explore a general idea of the goals you might have and what meaningful progress looks like for you. I’ll also ask about your past experiences with therapy (if any) and what has or hasn’t worked for you. This session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, set expectations, and begin laying the foundation for your healing journey. While I encourage openness, there’s no pressure—you are in control of what you choose to share. By the end of our session, we’ll have a clearer sense of the direction of our work together moving forward.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to connect with clients in a meaningful and authentic way. My own journey into therapy as a late teen deeply influenced my path and fueled my passion for helping others heal. That experience gave me the self-awareness to understand the importance of mental health support and motivated me to bridge the gap within minority communities, where therapy is often seen as a last resort. I’m passionate about shifting that perspective and helping clients recognize therapy as an essential tool for overall well-being. What makes me unique is my commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering space where clients feel truly seen and heard. I believe in making therapy accessible to those who have historically hesitated to seek help, offering a compassionate environment where individuals feel supported in their growth and healing. My personal and professional experiences have shaped me into a provider who is deeply committed to helping clients navigate challenges, build self-awareness, and embrace their mental health as a vital part of their wellness.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I specialize in working with women who feel stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, struggle with self-doubt, or carry the weight of past emotional wounds—especially those tied to attachment issues and mother wounds. My clients are often navigating anxiety, stress, or major life transitions and want to break free from cycles that no longer serve them. I also support couples seeking to improve communication and deepen their connection, as well as adolescents and adults processing trauma. The clients I work with are ready for change, even if they don’t know where to start, and they’re looking for a safe, supportive space to heal, grow, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

About Melissa Avina